Daniel Ménard, ex-Canadian general, released from Afghan prison

Canada's former top soldier was detained on charges of arms trafficking

Daniel Ménard was a brigadier-general and commander of Canada's Task Force Afghanistan. His tenure was cut short in 2010 when he was charged with fraternization for having a liaison with a female subordinate. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/The Associated Press)

A newspaper carrying a report from Kabul on Jan. 30 alleged Ménard's run-in with the law centred on accusations of possessing military equipment without permission, including 129 rifles and 148 radios.

GardaWorld later told CBC News the issue had been resolved and that Ménard's release "should happen imminently," but word of his actual release did not come until this week.

GardaWorld confirmed Ménard's release in a statement to CBC News on Wednesday.

"This situation was about the administration of a license, as we disclosed previously, and not about gun-running," spokesman Joe Gavaghan said in an email to CBC News.

Ménard was formerly a military commander for Canada's mission in Afghanistan. His tenure in the country was cut short in 2010 when he was charged with fraternization for having a sexual liaison with a female subordinate.

He was charged and later pleaded guilty to two counts of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, in violation of the National Defence Act.

It was recently revealed National Defence paid nearly $40,000 to move Ménard to the United Arab Emirates, according to a set of documents containing expense records for the military's top brass.